Bishop urges cease-fire in Yemen

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has urged armed groups in Yemen to negotiate a ceasefire and permanently end the conflict.

More than 500 Yemeni Shi'ite rebels have died in clashes with the Saudi military on the border since Riyadh launched an air war in late March, AFP reports.

The Australian government is concerned about civilians caught in the fighting and is monitoring the situation closely.

Most foreign embassies have withdrawn from Yemen and Ms Bishop advises any Australians still in the country to leave immediately.